1.11.2017

I’m Changing My Life

So...

I did a thing.

A big thing.

I decided to take control of my health. I am on a quest to lose weight.

But before we get into how, let's talk about my weight loss story:

I've lost weight in the past, but then I'd get back into old habits and back the weight would come. Even when I thought I was eating healthy, I don't think I was. My portions would be too large or too small. I'd skip meals. Also, I always lost weight for others (weddings, to please people, etc,) because my weight never bothered me; it bothered other people.

But this year, I could see how choosing a non-healthy food lifestyle was going to hurt me in the long run. I was tired all of the time. My knee started to hurt going up stairs--I am constantly going and down stairs at work as a nanny. What if I couldn't keep up with the kids? What if they ran faster than me and I couldn't catch them, protecting them from danger? Reasons like those are why I decided to get healthy, to lose weight for myself and myself only.

Jenny Craig is a clinically proven weight-loss program designed to provide structure and support to help members lose weight and learn how to keep it off. That is exactly what I'm looking for!The program takes a holistic approach to weight loss and weight management, focusing on food, body and mind. Jenny Craig members can expect to lose an average of 1-2 pounds per week, which is a healthy range of weight loss.

Jenny Craig features prepared food, which is delicious by the way, portioned out perfectly. It features a meal plan, leaving the guesswork out of what to eat and how much. You add your own fruits and veggies. You get breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Pictured below is about a week's worth of food, minus the extra fruits and veggies that I add in.

Here's why I chose Jenny Craig--I don't like to cook. At all. I come from a family of amazing cooks, but I'm not one of them. I work long hours, come home and then work until midnight on my blog, waking up at 6 and working on blog stuff until my day job. It's easier for me get something from a restaurant than cook. Or eat a sandwich. Or cereal. Or be too tired to eat dinner and then wake up starving.

I don't like leftovers, either, to be honest. With Jenny Craig, there are over 100 options to choose from, created by 40 professional chefs. I like variety. Pictured above is the yummy chicken fajita bowl. There's no fork in the pic because I'm not sharing! ;)

I was worried I'd be hungry, but that hasn't been the case at all. Yummy options, like this cheddar popcorn help with that!

Here's another dessert--sweet things are my weakness and I'm glad I don't have to give them up. This cupcake was so delicious, y'all. I'm happy to report the food is truly delicious and satisfying.

Another reason I chose Jenny Craig--the amazing support system and knowledge from their consultants. I've tried to figure out weight loss stuff on my own, but I've failed. I was kind of embarrassed about losing weight and didn't want to make it this big THING, so in typical ME fashion, I kept it all to myself and didn't ask for help. I finally realized it's okay to get help from others.

At Jenny Craig,they've made personal support the cornerstone of their program for 30 years. Every member is paired with a dedicated consultant who provides them with one-on-one support to identify their challenges and goals, and helps them to create unique weekly meal and activity plans.

Here I am meeting with my consultant, Ashley. She is a doll! Each week, she works with me on my menu, discusses any challenges from the previous week and determines a plan for the week ahead. Like for this week, I am currently working on drinking more water. I'm not where I want to be, but I'm doing better than last week! She also keeps track of my success with weekly weigh-ins and is teaching me how to self-monitor. She's been so helpful. I don't feel alone in this. I can call anytime I have a question. The staff has been so wonderful!

Don't live near a Jenny Craig center? They offer one-on-one support through consultations over the phone or via video chat!I have been so pleased with Jenny Craig--enough that one of my friends has signed up too! I am not starving all of the time like I used to be, I have energy now, and I'm learning how to portion and make better food choices. I'm learning about incorporating more activity into my day. Losing weight is the icing on the cupcake...that I have occasionally! ;)I plan on doing another post on my progress, but let me know if you'd like to see more posts about my journey!

Good luck, Elle! I'm always in a constant battle when it comes to my weight. The past few years, the Dukan Diet has been the one that really clicked for me, but since last year, I've been back in my old habits, and I'm so paying for it now. Here's to a successful journey for us in this game!:)

I can't wait to follow you on your new healthy journey and hear all about the amazing changes you are making. All of this food looks amazing, especially the cupcake!xo, Whitney and BlairePeaches In A Pod

Always do what makes you feel good about yourself! I've been creating healthier menus for a while to support my husband. He now encourages me to go to the gym. I like living a healthier lifestyle too. It will be hard, but you can do it!

Good for you, girl! I've long thought about trying one of these programs, but I always was worried about the quality of food and if I'd just be starving all the time. Wishing you all the luck on your journey!

ohhh that cupcake looks delish! i think it's so awesome you are doing this Elle, and for yourself. it's about so much more than losing weight. i like to cook but i hate leftovers so i feel you there! wish you all the best Elle!

Best of luck to you! I think you're going to kick the crap out of your goals, especially since you found something that fits with your life and your motivation is coming from the right place. Can't wait to see how you do!

One problem I have is the size of my portions. I will have something relatively healthy for tea but then completely ruin it all by having a huge portion of it and then I might as well have just had something unhealthy! This sounds like a fantastic programme and the cheddar popcorn and cupcake look delicious too :) x

How awesome Elle! I'm so happy and proud of you for taking on a healthy lifestyle! I'd definitely love to see more posts and progress, and for you to share your journey. I also am trying to work towards a healthier life this year, and change some of my bad eat habits that I've developed in the past few months!

Oh dear, oh my word, we are part of the same club, Elle, you and I and many others :) I am part of the yo-yo effect thing, losing and gaining weight due to my unhealthy habits. Feeling tired is something that happens everyday, and shouldn't. I don't like leftovers either, and I loved to see that Jenny Craig offers popcorn :) and cupcakes :) and I would have to control myself not to get 5 of them :) The fact that thy have consultants and even through video, makes it even better! I am sending you good vibes! You will make it! 1-2 pounds a week sounds OK to lose, so, not so fast, to be healthy!DenisesPlanet.com

Best of luck to you on this journey, Elle! My mom did Jenny Craig back in the 90s and had great success with losing weight without ever feeling hungry. In fact, I remember her telling me she didn't know how she'd manage to eat all of the food and snacks each day. One tip that helped her was to eat an orange if she ever got a headache. Her counsellor told her that, and it helped. She lost over 50 pounds and felt fantastic!